Cadillac CTS A Performance Win Compared To Hyundai Genesis [Video]

There was a time when comparing a Cadillac with any Hyundai was the gear-head version of a cocktail party joke, but once Hyundai pulled out all stops and built the luxury-market Genesis, the laughing stopped (well, sort of). The 2015 Cadillac CTS clearly is the front runner as far as performance goes, but for overall usability, it’s a photo finish between the two.

Let’s forget the 4-cylinder Cadillac CTS – V4-anything lacks the horsepower prowess to properly be called performance, and although the efficient 2 liter Turbo V4 CTS delivers up to 30 miles per gallon highway, the real comparison between the CTS and Genesis is in their 420 horsepower engines. The Twin-Turbo V6 engine in the Cadillac CTS Vsport offers a high-performing 420 horsepower and 430 lb.-ft. of torque. Take it down a notch to the 3.6 liter V6 engine, and you’re still strutting a powerful 321 horsepower in both the rear-wheel and all-wheel drive versions.

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The Genesis, to compare apples to apples, offers a V6 with 311 horses under the hood; to gain the extra hundred or so horses, you’ll have to kick it up to the V8 Genesis, which boasts 420 horsepower. An equal amount of horsepower compared to the Cadillac CTS Vsport, but you’ll lose five miles per gallon in fuel economy. The twin-turbo V6 CTS offers 20 miles per gallon in the city and 30 on the highway, while the Genesis offers a measly 15 miles per gallon city and 23 on the highway.

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The Hyundai also lacks the upgraded Pirelli rubber, Brembo brakes, faster steering, and track mode (for the suspension, steering, and powertrain), not to mention the on-point luxury interior crafted from top-notch materials and trims that the Cadillac CTS Vsport brings to the table.

As far as roominess – always a practical concern – the Hyundai Genesis offers more than the Cadillac CTS. The large backseat is usable by adults and offers good exit and entry, as well as bountiful leg room, according to the Christian Science Monitor. A difficult feat in a rear-wheel drive vehicle, but Hyundai pulled it off. Trunk space is also lacking in Cadillac’s CTS, which The Car Connection reports is just a mere 13.7 cubic feet.

As far as safety, The Car Connection reports that the Genesis is the clear front runner. With its all-new structure, nine standard airbags and a long list of active-safety items, the Genesis earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ approval. As far as features, the Genesis far outweighs the CTS, offering navigation, rain-sensing wipers, and options for ventilated front seats, a power rear sunshade, surround-sound audio, active cruise control, and an active-safety kit while still remaining in a reasonable price range.

If you’re looking for a great performance car that gets reasonable mileage, you will want to stick with the Cadillac CTS, but if you’re looking for a vehicle with a great amount of practicality, the CTS certainly has some competition.